Steve Neavling

Three California men charged with plotting terrorist attacks on Americans and military bases overseas were planning to join the Taliban in Afghanistan and eventually fight for al-Qaida, the FBI said, the Associated Press reports.

Little did they know, an undercover agent was recording their conversations.

“The main lesson learned is: Don’t underestimate these groups,” FBI Special Agent David Bowdich told the AP. “This is a very serious case. I think ultimately the outcome was a success.”

The three were to fly to Istanbul, travel to Afghanistan and train to be terrorists to kill Americans living abroad, the AP reported.